Space Exploration

Latest about Space Exploration

2 NASA missions will carpool on a SpaceX rocket this weekend to help map the cosmos

By Monisha Ravisetti published

NASA's PUNCH and SPHEREx missions are scheduled to launch no earlier than Tuesday (March 4). Here's what each is built to do, and why they could yield some terrific results for astronomers.

Missions
A black and white SpaceX rocket with the Intuitive Machines IM-2 moon lander on the launch pad under a blue sky with clouds.

How to watch Intuitive Machines shoot for the moon with daring lunar lander launch for NASA tonight

By Josh Dinner published

Intuitive Machines is poised to launch its second lunar lander in as many years, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration.

Space Exploration
SpaceX places the Starship Flight 8 Super Heavy booster atop the orbital launch mount at its Starbase site ahead of a planned Feb. 28, 2025 liftoff. The company posted this photo on X on Feb. 25.

SpaceX rolls huge Super Heavy booster to pad ahead of Starship Flight 8 launch (photos)

By Mike Wall published

The Super Heavy booster that will fly on the eighth test mission of SpaceX's Starship megarocket is now on the launch pad. Liftoff is scheduled for Friday (Feb. 28).

Private Spaceflight
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris burns up over Ingersleben, DE on Feb. 19, 2025.

SpaceX says its Falcon 9 rocket debris crash over Europe was caused by propellant leak

By Julian Dossett published

A propellant leak was to blame for the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket crashing to Earth over Europe last week, SpaceX says.

Launches & Spacecraft
a black marble sign beside a city street reading "mary w. jackson nasa headquarters"

NASA tells employees to ignore Trump administration's 'What did you do last week?' email

By Andrew Jones published

NASA employees have been told they are not required to respond to a Trump administration email request to list achievements or potentially face termination.

Missions
a white rocket lifts off above a desert full of scrub plants

Blue Origin launches 'Perfect 10' space tourists on New Shepard rocket (video)

By Mike Wall last updated

Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, Blue Origin, launched its 10th space tourism mission this morning (Feb. 25), sending a crew of six to space on its New Shepard rocket.

Private Spaceflight
streaks of fire in the evening sky

Explosion of Starship Flight 7 traced to fires in rocket's 'attic,' SpaceX says

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX has finished its investigation into what went wrong on the seventh test flight of its Starship rocket, which ended with a dramatic explosion.

Private Spaceflight
The world's largest rocket launches into a blue sky on SpaceX's Flight 7.

SpaceX targeting Feb. 28 for next launch of Starship megarocket

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX plans to launch the eighth test flight of its Starship megarocket on Friday (Feb. 28), company founder and CEO Elon Musk says.

Private Spaceflight
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander captured stunning views of the moon after its second lunar orbit maneuver on Feb. 24, 2025.

Private Blue Ghost moon lander captures amazing footage of Earth behind and lunar surface below (video)

By Andrew Jones published

Firefly Aerospace is primed for a lunar landing attempt on Sunday (March 2) following a series of successful maneuvers in lunar orbit.

Launches & Spacecraft
a rectangular spacecraft floats in front of a colorful space background

NASA picks SpaceX rocket to launch asteroid threat hunter NEO Surveyor in 2027

By Mike Wall published

NASA has selected SpaceX to launch its NEO Surveyor spacecraft, which will hunt for asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth.

Missions
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Archives